NationStates Jolt Archive

Ethiopian Crisis

Late June 1906
There is trouble stirring in Ethiopia. Following Emperor Menelek II's recent declarations that the Italian presence in North Africa cannot be tolerated he has called up his country's reserves (4 infantry divisions) and the Imperial Guard (light infantry division) has been readied for deployments. The Italians and British have learned of this through their contacts within the country, but no-one is sure of the reason. It could just be for military training purposes but there are few who would be willing to take that chance. This information has taken soem time to reach the correct authorities, the reserves have been readying for call up since the second week of June and it will be a matter of days before they are assembled.

OOC: Italian and British reactions to this please (if any) and post here if you tell anyone else or want to take any actions. The above is based on a player decision.

In the Sudan, British Forces are put on alert as well as forces in British Somalia and Aden. Britain, however takes no action, other than a warning to the Ethiopian Emperor from the Egyptian Governor-General to not do anything rash.

Intelligence officers in Italy and Britian note that the Ethiopians lack the ammunition and access to ammunition if their access to the sea (which must go through British, French or Italian territory) is blocked to fight a prolonged high intensity war. However, they do have sufficient ammunition for a quick war or prolonged period of cross border raiding.

ooc
in other words, about 3 months of heavy fighting, or a couple of big battles and thats it

Utilizing their newfound information, the Italians plan to move two Infantry Corp into Italian East Africa.

Current forces are to be prepared for attacks until the two Corp arrive. When they do, Artillery will be set up in a support role to strike any raiders, which in turn will be very well protected by trench systems.

Secretly, Invasion plans are being drawn up, and communication with Britain is underway.

Emperor Menelek II calls upon every native African to not help the Italians in any way. The Ethiopians are coming to free them for the Italian oppressors. Also back in Ethiopia Emperor Menelek calls up 2 Militia Divisions and 2 Militia Brigades for keeping a defense and order back in Ethiopia. The Second Italo-Abyssinian War has begun. Emperor Menelek hope it turns out like the First Italo-Abyssinian War, with a victory.

August 1906
Ethiopian troops cross the rugged border seperating Eritrea from Abyssinia with 5 light infantry divisions. Facing them initially are garrison forces deployed in outposts along the border and in the hinterland, while 2 Italian Infantry corps have only recently arrived at Massawa
http://www.state.gov/cms_images/map_eritrea.jpg
http://shabait.com/articles-new/uploads/eritrea_map.jpg
http://www.kealey.net/content/archives/parts_archive2005.07.07/map_eritrea.jpg

ooc
in game terms, 5 infantry divisions attack a garrison unit at essentially 5:1 odds, reduced to 2:1 odds because the defense is doubled because of the rugged terrain. The Ethopians destroy the garrison unit at the cost of 1 light infantry division.

IC
Ethiopian light infantry overrun numerous garrisons and take the towns of Tessenei, Adi Ugri, Edd and Assab before the Italians are able to establish a line running from Keren/Asmara/Decemare and then curving to the coast on both flanks.

By the end of August the front has stablized and the Ethopians continue to probe but cannot push past Italian strong points backed by modern artillery and machine guns.

The Ethiopian bid for a quick victory has failed.

However, the Italians have lost nearly 20,000 men (including 5,000 Italians, the rest are locals) killed, wounded, or missing (roughly half will be able to return to duty), while the Ethopians have suffered similar losses.

Africans and other colonial subjects look on with interest.

Secert In Character:

Emperor Menek II, although near the front, has sent a message to the British Somalia. He would like to remind them if Ethiopia loses then the Italians next stop will be in British Somalia and the French Somaliland. This will lead to Italy control East Africa and the passage of the Suez Canal to the Indian Ocean and other colonies. He also makes a desperate call for much need supplies. Also if Ethiopia beats back the Italians then the Emperor will be willing to give special favors to England, most powerful country on earth.

Also Emperor Menek II sents out to the native Africans in Italian controlled Eritrea should rebel and drive out the Italians. Also that anyone in the African in the Italian should desert and will have the same commission in the Ethiopian army. He tells the people it's only a matter of time before Eritrea falls out of Italian hands.

IC:
One Militia Division has been moved from Ethiopia to near the Italian controlled Eritrea.

OOC: Also I was just wondering what happened in the month of July?

Parthini;11654709']In the Sudan, British Forces are put on alert as well as forces in British Somalia and Aden. Britain, however takes no action, other than a warning to the Ethiopian Emperor from the Egyptian Governor-General to not do anything rash.

The Canadian War Department, sensing the potential for another major British campaign in Africa, quickly dispatches a letter to London under the utmost secrecy.

To the Honorable Richard Haldane,

It is indeed unerving to see the calmour of war once again appear on our doorstep in Africa. However, it can be assured that, if the situation deteriorates into a state of war, the armies of Canada shall gladly fight in the Empire's defense.

But let us hope such actions are never taken for the peace and prosperity of His Majesty's realms.

Signed,

Sir Percy Lake, Lt. General
Chief of the General Staff of the Dominion of Canada

The Italian Government is quick to point out to the Subjects of British Somolia just who invaded whom in this scenario.

And why would Italy risk coming after British and French territories when all three countries are French. Not to mention the fact, African-Italians have been mercilessly killed by these barbaric Ethiopians... these very people who promise to "free" our own people, merely slaughter them.

And why would these people die for Italy if they are being treated poorly? Surely they should know that Hospitals, Schools, and proper civillized things do not exist in a land such as Ethiopia.

For every Ethiopian Spy or Cohort caught, we shall pay a sizeable amount.

SIC:
Italy shall send over two more Infantry Corp which are currently in reserve. They will take the place of the two active Infantry Corp.
The Ethiopians who are caught will not be executed but held captive close to the coastline.

Emperor Menelek II would like to remind the Italians how they cheated Ethiopia out of land and that Eritrea should be part of Ethiopia right now. Also that Africans should be sick of the Italians commanding them. They deserve not to be classed as second class. Menelek denies the fact that the African-Italians were "mercilessly" killed by Ethiopians. Any person captured will be treated with respect and have the same rights he holds in Italy. Also any Italians that are capture are sent to Southern Ethiopia. Ethiopia is not barbaric in any shape of form. If they are so barbaric then how come Ethiopia crushed the Italians back in the first First Italo-Abyssinian War and the Battle of Adowa.

SIC:

The Ethiopians in Eritrea now put up posters giving a money value of every person that deserters the Italian army and joins the Ethiopian army. They will have the same commission as they did back in the Italian army. Also Emperor Menelek also offers land for deserts the Italian army.

Ethiopia sends an Ambassador to English Sudan asking them to mediate the conflict. Also Ethiopia sends an Amabassador to Italy proposing peace talks.

Italy will not hold any peace talks with the Ethiopians while they are on Italian Land.

The King of Italy himself notes that Ethiopia does not have the money in his coffers to reimburse any such rewards.

September / October 1906
The Italians order more troops to Eritrea, and to reinforce their garrisons in Italian Somalia. However, it takes weeks to assemble shipping, load it, and steam to the Red Sea.

Meanwhile, the Ethopians probe and skirmish with Italian troops, but losses are light.

The United Kingdom calls for Ethiopia to withdraw from its attacks and for Italy and Ethiopia to come to peace talks in Khartoum.

Parthini;11662617']The United Kingdom calls for Ethiopia to withdraw from its attacks and for Italy and Ethiopia to come to peace talks in Khartoum.

ooc: I hate you so much.

Parthini;11662617']The United Kingdom calls for Ethiopia to withdraw from its attacks and for Italy and Ethiopia to come to peace talks in Khartoum.

The United Kingdom clarifies its position by stating that Eithiopia's unwarranted attack on Italian colonial possessions must cease before it is destroyed in a similar way in which Morocco was absorbed. However, Ethiopia should be punished for its attack on Italy, which is what the Peace talks should equal. However, if Ethiopia is unwilling to pay the price for unwarranted aggression, then Britain will not attempt to stall the rightful flow of justice due to it given by Italy.

Emperor Menelek II tells his troops to stop fighting and demands a peace talk to be held. Also he thinks it be good for it to be held on Khartoum and not on European land. Emperor Menelek II will be at the meeting while Ras Makonnen commands the troops back in Ethiopian controlled Eritrea. The troops on the front line start to dig in and rest while the fighting stops for now. Also Emperor Menelek II ask the British not to let the Italians go threw the Suez Canal while the peace talk is going to be plan, so futher aggression is not put between Italy and Ethiopia.

Italy has already stated that it will not sit down to a peace talk until Ethiopian troops leave Italian Land.

The Ethiopian troops are not on Italian land, but land owned by Ethiopia and Emperor Menelek II.

Unfortunatly, in the Civilized world where Maps are used, it is common knowledge that Ethiopians have invaded Italian Land and will pay the price.

If they are so "Civilized" then how come they have mistreated so many people. Especially the natives in North and South America and also in Africa. Also Ethiopia wants to have peace and would like to remind Italy that they did have an offer for future events.

November December 1906
rain and difficult logistics prevent significant activity in Eritrea other than raids and probes.

Between October - December, Italy suffers 5000 casaulties (no game effect) while Ethiopia suffers similar losses due to illness, skirmishes, accidents and other action (roughly 1/5 are killed or die)

Weapons and ammunition of British manufacture begin to make their way into Ethiopia, they are issued to units out of the front lines to give them chance to train with them. The majority appear to be obsolete or hunting rifles with many holding the Tower Armoury mark overstamped with "withdrawn from service" though others are of a more eclectic origin. The majority utilise standard British .303 ammunition which arrives in small quantities to the Ethiopian units. The Italians soon learn of the origin of the weapons through examination of captured rifles.

British Officials in the region are informed that Ethiopians have been smuggling British Weapons in from the Sudan. The Italians are quietly informed of this and border patrols are set up to strictly enforce British non-Involvement.

Those caught Smuggling weapons are executed on the spot.

Parthini;11672684']British Officials in the region are informed that Ethiopians have been smuggling British Weapons in from the Sudan. The Italians are quietly informed of this and border patrols are set up to strictly enforce British non-Involvement.

Those caught Smuggling weapons are executed on the spot.

ooc
the incredible length of border is going to make effective enforcement essentially impossible.. a few will get caught, but as long as Ethiopia has money, it will be able to get ammunition and light weapons. Not only do you have the border with Sudan, but also the border with Djibouti, British Somalia, and Kenya. Nearly all of it is wilderness with camel and mule trails the only lines of communications and the British presence in East Africa is no where nearly big enough to effectively patrol this. Not even the entire Chinese Army would be big enough to patrol this massive expanse.

Incidently, you are British and can't go around executing people on the spot. You have a trial, then you hang them.

ooc
the incredible length of border is going to make effective enforcement essentially impossible.. a few will get caught, but as long as Ethiopia has money, it will be able to get ammunition and light weapons. Not only do you have the border with Sudan, but also the border with Djibouti, British Somalia, and Kenya. Nearly all of it is wilderness with camel and mule trails the only lines of communications and the British presence in East Africa is no where nearly big enough to effectively patrol this. Not even the entire Chinese Army would be big enough to patrol this massive expanse.

Incidently, you are British and can't go around executing people on the spot. You have a trial, then you hang them.

After several weeks of little progress, the British Embassy in Addis Abba contacts the Emperor informing him that Ethiopia must begin to halt the illegal arms smuggling, sieze all smuggled British Arms, return them to British Authorities either on patrol or in the British Embassy, and try all those caught smuggling.

On the other side, British Authorities begin to post rewards for turning in smugglers or smuggled weapons. Those caught smuggling are tried and hanged.

Emperor Menlek denies any of the activities named are not happening. Also he calls upon for the Italians to have some sort of peace talk with England included.

Italy will continue to refuse until the savages leave Italian and Eritrean Land.

Emperor Meneleks thinks that the Italian are the true savages. They have come and conquered African people then enslaved them for their petty uses.

January February 1907
additional Italian reinforcements reach East Africa, including a HQ unit and 2 infantry corps (infantry to Italian Somalia, HQ to Eritrea)

Fighting continues at a skirmish level

Smugglers bring in ammunition and small arms across the deserts, mountains and grasslands that border Ethiopia with Kenya and Sudan.

The Ethiopian troops along the front lines with the Italian have dug in and have tried making defences just in case for a Italian counter-offensive.

Emperor Menlek denies any of the activities named are not happening. Also he calls upon for the Italians to have some sort of peace talk with England included.

British Officials bring intelligence reports as well as several captured smugglers in front of the Emperor and demand that Ethiopia stops smuggling.

Meanwhile, forces in East Africa are alerted.

March 1907
Italian troops launch an offensive in Eritrea with 3 infantry corps and 2 mountain divisions aimed at 2 Ethopian divisions, while another infantry corps keeps the other 2 divisions busy. The Italian superiority in artillery is decisivie, and after three weeks of fighting the Italians push the Ethiopians back across the border. 2 Ethiopian divisions are destroyed as fighting units, as is an Italian mountain division. In addition, Ethiopia has lost 40,000 of its best soldiers while Italian losses are equally high, but Italy has more reserves available.

This leaves the Ethiopians with 2 light infantry divisions and 3 militia divisions, while the Italians are on the border with 4 infantry corps, 1 mountain division and 1 HQ from Eritrea, and another 2 infantry corps in Italian Somalia.

April - June 1906
Italian forces clear the rest of Eritrea of Ethiopian forces and shift their logistics forward in preparation for an invasion of Ethiopia itself.

Meanwhile, the British ship an HQ and cavalry corps to Kenya.

Ethiopian forces attack the Italians as they are moving up, but are repulsed easily in the face of powerful Italian artillery and machine guns.

ooc
Ethiopian losses are 3 militia divisions, 45,000 men in all, of which only 25% will be able to return to action eventually (2/3rds of the rest are dead or will die of wounds, rest are crippled). Italian losses are 2,000 (500 dead, 500 crippled, remainder will return to duty eventually)

Late June
During the offensive Menelek II was near the front watching the battle ensue. While watching a artillery shell landed right on top of him. Blasting him to bits there were no remains. While the men retreated it took a while for the officers to find out where Menelek II had gone. Within a day they knew that Menelek II was either dead or captured. With no news from the Italians of Menelek II capture, most of the Militia Brigades broke and the soldiers went back to their villages. Most of the soldiers have kept their guns and have either buried them or trying to take a piece of the anarchy that is starting to happen. The Imperial Guard was the only ones fighting and that was now under the direct Ras Makonnen. Ras Makonnen was very power hungry and wanted to rule Ethiopia for himself. He ordered the execution of Iyasu V, Shoaregga, and Zauditu. Taking the power from himself he declared himself Emperor of Ethiopia. Fighting occurs during the streets in late June and anarchy is abundant in the capital with no real order. Ras Makonnen surrenders his troops and asks the Italians just to restore order to the region.

Some of the remains of the Mitilia Brigades and the Infantry division knew that the Italians were going to go after Ethiopia itself (So about 2,000 men deserted to become rebels). Before deserting they took all the ammo and guns they could take. They have organized themselves and took the three resources centers and destroyed them, then fled to the mountains.

SIC: Also he also asks to be the "Governor of Ethiopia", but he would just be a puppet not to upset the Ethiopian anymore. The Imperial Guard is also up to the task of restoring order to the Ethiopia.

OOC: This should be my last post as Ethiopia.

SIC: In late June, British Officials in the Sudan begin to contact Italian forces about the possibility of Britain sending in forces to restore order to Ethiopia. He points out that two divisions and a Cavalry Corps are available for use and can be deployed immediately. They also mention the possibility of putting Ethiopia under the "guidance" of Britain and Italy.

Italian forces, 6 corps in all, overrun Ethiopia. Remaining local forces, without central direction, mostly surrender in the face of overwhelming Italian power or become bandits.

By the end of September Italy has occupied the entire country.